Sandtray Therapy

Sandtray therapy allows individuals to express thoughts, emotions, and experiences that may be difficult to put into words. Using symbolic figures and a tray of sand, clients can explore inner experiences in a way that feels intuitive, safe, and deeply meaningful.

Sandtray therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses a sandbox and miniature figures to create scenes that reflect inner worlds, relationships, and life experiences. Rather than relying solely on conversation, sandtray invites expression through imagery, symbolism, and sensory engagement.

This approach can be especially helpful when emotions feel overwhelming, confusing, or inaccessible through traditional talk therapy alone.

Sandtray therapy may be helpful if you:

  • Have difficulty expressing emotions verbally

  • Feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected

  • Are processing trauma, grief, or complex experiences

  • Want a creative or experiential approach to therapy

  • Prefer gentle exploration rather than direct discussion

  • Are curious about symbolic or nonverbal forms of healing

Sandtray therapy can be beneficial for children, adolescents, and adults. In a typical session, you are invited to create a scene in the sand using miniature objects that represent people, emotions, memories, or experiences. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to build a tray. The therapist provides a supportive, non-directive presence and helps you reflect on the meaning of what emerges—only to the extent you are comfortable.

Our use of sandtray therapy is trauma-informed and client-centered. We prioritize emotional safety, choice, and collaboration. Sandtray may be used as a primary therapeutic approach or integrated alongside talk therapy, depending on your needs and preferences.

This work supports:

  • Emotional expression and regulation

  • Insight and self-awareness

  • Trauma processing without overwhelm

  • Integration of thoughts, emotions, and experiences

You remain in control of how much you share and explore.

Sandtray therapy may support healing around trauma, attachment wounds, grief, identity exploration, relationship challenges, anxiety, and depression. Many clients find that symbolic expression allows new perspectives, relief, and understanding to emerge naturally.

Healing does not always require words.